Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to participate in the recycling of their personal documents and sensitive papers at the County’s next free paper shredding event, taking place on Friday, September 27th. The event will be held at the Westfield Pool Parking lot at 713 Cumberland Street in Westfield, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and running until 1:00 p.m.

“By giving your items a new purpose through recycling, we are helping to conserve natural resources,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I’m incredibly proud to see that our collective efforts are contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity and bring their personal documents to the next paper shredding event.”

Upon arrival, there will be ample signage to direct residents to the shredding site. The paper shredding event will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will end promptly at 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. However, if the shredding trucks reach full capacity, the event will end ahead of schedule. Residents are encouraged to arrive promptly at the start of the event to ensure that there is sufficient capacity for their materials.

All paper shredding events are drive-up and contact-free. We kindly ask residents to have their papers in the trunk of their car or the cargo bed of their truck before arriving, to facilitate efficient removal of materials by staff. Residents must remain in their vehicles while staff handles the unloading and shredding of papers, which are shredded onsite in the mobile shredding trucks. Participants are reminded that pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Additionally, bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other extraneous materials must be removed before arrival at the shredding site.

Union County’s free shredding events are intended for personal, sensitive, and residentially generated documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail, and other waste paper through their municipal recycling program.  For contact information regarding your municipal recycling program, please visit https://ucnj.org/recycling/municipal-recycling-coordinators/. Residents are limited to ten pounds (four bags/ boxes) per vehicle. Business documents will not be accepted for shredding at the events. Businesses that show up at the event will be turned away. Businesses that need shredding services can instead contact the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning by phone at 908-654-9890 or via the online form at www.ucnj.org/recycle for further guidance.

The last free paper shredding event for 2024 will take place on Saturday, October 19^th in the parking lot of the Municipal Complex in Berkeley Heights. For the complete 2024 paper shredding schedule and information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889. For the latest news and updates on all municipal and countywide recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app.

The mobile paper shredding program is paid for through Recycling Enhancement Act Grant funds, which are applied for by Union County and received from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Tuesday, September 17, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, Summit Ave., Garfield St. Area, Berkshire Dr., Orion Rd.,Watchung Way, Circleview Ave.
• Clark – Conger Way, Schwinn Dr. Area, Kennedy Dr. Area, Jupiter St.
• Cranford – Casino Av., Pacific Av., Wadsworth Ter., Manor Av., Parker Av. Tuxedo Pl.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St. Area, Mertz Av., Munn Av., Bond St. Area
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area,
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., 1st St., Rock Av., Wiley Av. Area, E.3rd St., St. Nicholas Blvd.
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Martin St., Dudley Ct., Leesville Av.
• Roselle – Pine St., Holly Dr., Cherry St., Birch Dr. Area, Path by RXR Tracks
• Scotch Plains – Frank St., Raritan Rd., Martine Extension, Tussle Ln., Goodmans Crossing
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Berkeley Rd. Area, Oakland Av., Waverly Av.
• Union – Hickory Rd. Area, Liberty Av.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Sheriff’s Office, is excited to offer free specialized self-defense training classes for women ages 18 an over at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains. Two sessions are being offered – Tuesday, October 8^th, and Thursday, October 17^th, both from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

“Empowering women to protect themselves and their families is at the heart of this class. Through the hands-on training in these classes, women will gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed for various situations, ensuring they walk away from their session feeling stronger and more secure,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded.

This essential class is designed to empower women with the skills and confidence needed to protect themselves and their families. Led by trained and certified officers, participants will learn practical self-defense techniques, safety strategies, and ways to prevent and avoid risks. The hands-on training also helps build assertiveness, leaving women feeling more confident and prepared.

“As Sheriff, I am proud to support this vital program, which equips women with the practical skills and confidence needed to stay safe,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “Our certified officers are committed to providing hands-on training that not only teaches self-defense, but also empowers participants to prevent and avoid dangerous situations.”

Participants are required to sign a waiver to take part in the hands-on training, and comfortable clothing is recommended. Due to limited space, registration is required, and participants may only sign up for one of two session. For more information or to register, please visit www.ucnj.org/oowselfdefense. To contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women, please call at 908-527-4216 or email Jerdos@ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquito Saturday, September 14, 2024, between the hours of 3:00AM to 8:00AM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Clark – Oak Ridge Rd., Conger Way Area,
• Scotch Plains – Union County Votech., Police Academy, Martine Extension, Tussel Ln., Goodmans Crossing

County Parks

• Oak Ridge
• Green Brook
• Cedar Brook

City Parks

• Plainfield – Milt Campbell

The Union County Clerk’s Office is pleased to announce special office hours in Elizabeth and Westfield, on Saturday, September 14th, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, for voters seeking to receive vote by mail ballots for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School Election, or for the Special General Election for the 10th Congressional District.

Voters may request their vote by mail ballots in Elizabeth in the Courthouse building at 2 Broad St.  Room 113, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, or in Westfield in the Colleen Fraser building at 300 North Avenue East, Westfield, NJ 07090.

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Special School Election will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and the Special General Election for the 10th Congressional District will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. 

“Ensuring that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot is a top priority for my office,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “I encourage all eligible voters to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that their voices are heard in these important elections.” For additional information about election related matters, please visit the Union County Clerk’s website at https://ucnj.org/county-clerk/

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present a collection of artworks from four of Union County’s Hispanic artists currently on exhibit at the Commissioners Gallery in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The gallery is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, Elizabethtown Plaza, Elizabeth, with gallery hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

“We are honored to showcase the incredible talent of these Hispanic artists in the Commissioners Gallery in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Their work beautifully reflects the diversity and vibrant Hispanic culture within our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this month by visiting the exhibit and experiencing it firsthand.”

This collaborative project from artists Virgen Perez, Jo-El Lopez, Adrianna Rendon and Dario Scholis is currently on display through October 18th in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This exhibit is held in conjunction with Union County’s monthlong celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, including the Family Fun Day celebration on Saturday, October 5^th at Warinanco Park.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community in Union County,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “We are proud to offer a variety of events throughout the month that honor this rich heritage.”

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, part of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates the exhibits displayed at the Commissioners Gallery.

For further information about this and other programs and services related to the arts and history in Union County, contact the Office at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202; telephone (908) 558-2550; or e-mail: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ relay users dial 711.

🚧 Park Notice: Rahway River Park Entrance Closure 🚧

On Monday, September 16th, Rahway River Park will be closed to vehicular traffic for necessary tree maintenance.

🚗 Entrances affected:

• St. Georges Avenue
• Valley Road

🚶‍♂️ Pedestrian access will remain available under the guidance of on-site security.

This is being done for the safety of all park visitors. Thank you for your cooperation!

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is urging residents to be cautious of private companies advertising expedited passport services that charge excessively high fees. These companies often promise quicker processing times but may add unnecessary costs without delivering the faster service they claim.

“These services can charge hundreds of dollars, claiming to save you time and a trip to the passport office,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In one recent case, a company charged a resident $240, only to send her to our office to pay the standard processing fees on top of what she had already paid. Don’t be misled—there is no faster way to obtain a passport.”

Ms. Rajoppi assured residents that her office is available for appointments six days a week, day and night, with no extra fees beyond those mandated by the U.S. State Department. “For a nominal increased fee, you can expedite your passport and receive it within two to three weeks. Normal processing times are six to eight weeks,” she explained.

She also advised residents planning to travel in December or January to check their passport expiration dates, as many countries require that a passport be valid for at least six months before entering. “If your passport is close to expiring, it’s important to renew it now to avoid any travel disruptions,” she added.

The Office of the County Clerk passport staff are experienced passport agents who can answer any questions you might have and assist you with applying or renewing a passport. The County Clerk’s main office is located in the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth and the annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County Complex, located at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

Residents can make an appointment online for passport services at the Elizabeth or Westfield offices, with options available for daytime, evening, and Saturday hours. Both offices offer passport photo services for a fee of $10.00. In-person appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services and click “Make an Appointment Online.”

For the latest updates on passport wait times at the State Department, and for additional details about renewing or obtaining a U.S. passport, visit travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.

For further details on Union County passport services, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services or call 908-527-4966. To learn more about all services offered by the Union County Clerk’s Office, call 908-527-4787 or visit www.ucnj.org/county-clerk.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, September 11, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Weather Permitting). Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

Cities

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St. Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Mt. Carmel
• Fanwood – Tower Pl., Steward Pl., Midway Av.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area, Range Rd., Bradford Av., Lexington Av., Marion Av.
• Plainfield – Jefferson Av., 1st St., Rock Av., Wiley Av., E.3rd St., St. Nicholas Blvd.
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Martin St., Dudley Ct., Leesville Av. Area, Midway Dr., Milton Blvd. Area, Donald Av., Price St., Allen St., Elizabeth Av.
• Scotch Plains – Morse Av., Bryant Av. Area
• Springfield – Cottage Ln., Berkeley Rd. Area, Oakland Av., Waverly Av.

County Parks

• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
• Mountainside – Watchung Res. Loop Area

Today, we solemnly honor and remember the lives lost in the tragic events of September 11th. We also pay tribute to the heroes who rose in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Union County residents are invited to visit the September 11th Memorial at Echo Lake Park, a space of reflection and remembrance for those we lost.

A uniformed Honor Guard will stand watch at the memorial from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring and light candles in remembrance of those lives lost on September 11th.

Candles will also be available at the memorial, courtesy of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

You can learn more about the memorial and the biographies of Union County residents who perished on that day by visiting ucnj.org/september-11th-memorial